Get Set to Wreck!

The idea here is to integrate simple phonics (long and short vowels) with the tale of a little boy who loves to build with blocks. For homework young Curtis has to find words using each of the long and short vowels. He's stymied; he'd much rather be playing. When his mother encourages him to use his imagination, he is transported into the world of his blocks. A series of vowels appear to him and help him find the words he needs. Curtis's ""reality'' is presented through soft black-and-white charcoal drawings while the fantasy vowel romp is in colored pastels. The vowels are depicted as talking letters with distinct personalities, wearing little hard hats. The text is didactic and often strains to make all the concepts fit together. But some parents looking for a new way to introduce vowels might find this useful. Ages 6-8. (March)